The final 1957 Thunderbird reached the end of the assembly line on December 13, 1957.ġ958 would not be a good year for the automotive industry, as the country was in a recession at the time.
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'57 T-birds made during this time received new 1958 colors, and appeared in dealer showrooms alongside the new 1958 Ford models.īecause of the longer than normal production run, and because the 1957 Thunderbird received an attractive styling update that addressed some of the issues with the former models, sales grew to 21,380 cars. That meant initial Ford literature for the 1958 models also included the 1957 Thunderbirds. The new car would be of unibody design, and would be built in a new assembly plant in Wixom, Michigan along with the Lincolns and Continentals.Īs with anything completely new, there were delays, and the new 1958 Thunderbird would not be ready to make its debut along with the rest of the 1958 Ford line, so production of the 1957 Thunderbird was held over, to keep new Thunderbirds available during this time. One that would allow four passengers to travel in Thunderbird style and luxury, one that would offer adequate luggage compartment space for road trips or an outing to the golf course. This meant most Thunderbirds would be second cars in a two car family, and with America's families growing at this time, the need for more capacity was growing as well.įord recognized this and was ready to respond with a new, larger Thunderbird for 1958. Obviously, when one buys a two passenger sporty personal car, one should expect limited passenger capacity. Since the introduction of the Thunderbird, there had been complaints about the passenger compartment being too warm, poor visibility with either of the tops installed, limited passenger capacity, and inadequate space in the luggage compartment. 1957 would be the third and final year for the original two passenger Thunderbird, and some feel the third year was the best one yet. Sales for 1955 surpassed predictions, and even though sales dropped off for 1956 slightly, that was due to a late introduction of the '56 cars as much as anything. Sales the first two years were quite good, especially considering the very limited market for this type of a car in the first place. It captured the hearts of America, brought people into Ford showrooms so they could see it first hand, and hopefully buy another Ford automobile if the Thunderbird wasn't right for them, and it was the car to own and be seen in. The Ford Thunderbird had done everything Ford intended for it to do. New front bumper, doors, and heavily restyled rear fenders and deck lid gave the little Bird a new look. Round, reflective yellow "Lifeguard Design" decal added to driver's door rear edge to warn oncoming carsĨ4/HO - FMC Transportation/Equipment Department (Home Office Reserve)Ībove: 1957 Ford Thunderbird in Inca Gold.New seat and door panel upholstery designs.Restyled front and rear bumpers, doors, and rear fenders.Wheel/tire size changed from 15" to 14".We hear there are plans to bring the Thunderbird back at some point in the future, so the T-bird's story hasn't ended yet. In 1968, a standard front bench seat allowed for six passengers for the first time ever.Ī retro-styled two passenger Thunderbird would debut in 2002, and would be built in limited numbers through 2005. In 1967, it would introduce the first four door personal luxury car. In 1958, the Thunderbird would grow to accommodate four passengers.
Height to Top of Convertible Top: 51.8 inchesįront Headroom: 33.1 inches (Hardtop) 33.6 inches (Convertible Top)ġ957 was the third and final year for the original two passenger Ford Thunderbird. Original Tire Brand: Firestone and Goodyear Optional Automatic: Ford-O-Matic torque converter with planetary gears Optional Overdrive: Planetary overdrive with planetary gears
Standard: 3-speed Synchromesh with helical gears Built: 21,380 Production: September 17, 1956-December 13,1957 (1957 production held over due to delays in the introduction of the new 1958 models)Ĭarburetor: Holley 4V with McCulloch Variable Ratio Centrifugal Supercharger TOP LINE: BODY CODE/MODEL NAME/BASE PRICE
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